Much has been said in recent months, especially in the wake of the clashes during Operation Wall Guard, about Jewish-Arab relations, and especially about coexistence in the cities involved.
Many Israeli citizens do not know the neighborly relations between Jews and Arabs in these cities, and I do not write this from an observer's point of view but from experience, as someone who grew up in a mixed city, Acre, and lived for more than two decades in door-to-door neighborhoods with Jewish families.
And despite my good acquaintance with Jewish society, I admit that these days I have learned a new lesson: this time about the younger generation.
The story began last week, when a group of young Jews - Stav, Carmel, Omri, Roni, Adi, Smadar, Snir, Amar, Yonatan and Hila - some at the end of their military service and some already discharged, came from the north, center and south to rent the apartment I vacate in the days These are in the center of Acre.
When I opened the door to this large group, they entered politely and courteously, and within a short time we were already sitting together in the living room, over coffee.
They began to tell that some of them are soldiers, out of town, and come to live in Acre.
Immediately the unpleasant associations from the last few months arose, especially in Acre, and I was afraid, I admit, that these were guys who came to "make muscle" and "show who owns the house."
I quickly realized that I was wrong: these are ambitious young people, who are interested in living in a mixed city and in Acre, out of a sincere desire to get to know the other and contribute to the community, and no less important: to build a civic nucleus of living together.
It warmed my heart.
I felt they were speaking on my behalf, and after our first call, and when I realized they were looking for any equipment and furniture that could help and assist in the construction of their apartment, I felt I had to hire them to help.
and so it was.
And they, in turn, were quick to return, offering help and assistance in transferring the contents of my apartment.
For three days we worked together, shoulder to shoulder, lots of conversations and lots of talk about politics and economics and society.
On some things we agreed, on others we argued, but always out of mutual respect.
Even before I started my career in Hebrew language communication, more than two decades ago, I grew up in a home that believed in living together.
My father's Jewish friends were part of a childhood landscape, at home and in the family, every weekend, every occasion and joy.
It was not natural for me.
After all, we live in the Galilee, work together and live together.
The private initiative of the group of educated and energetic young people, who see great importance in the value of living together, regardless of ideology or political positions, is still in its infancy - but they have a very big and very important vision. It is very important that they receive support from Jews and Arabs in Acre, as well as urban support, so that their initiative succeeds in inspiring the hope that a common life is possible anywhere and anytime, especially in the cities involved.
